TAXILA: The government is taking drastic measures to combat Covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis Zulfiqar Bukhari said on Thursday.

Mr Bukhari was speaking at a meeting to review measures taken to prevent, treat and control the virus, as well as provide relief to low-income groups, in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic held at the Attock deputy commissioner’s office. Deputy Commissioner Ali Annan Qammar, District Police Officer Khalid Hamdani and the heads of health, revenue and other departments, were also present.

Explaining the government’s efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus, Mr Bukhari said that a relief team made up of the segment of society most affected by the lockdown will be instrumental in winning the war against the pandemic.

He said that the allocation of almost $8 billion in the form of a coronavirus relief package by the government despite various financial and economic difficulties was a historic step to bring relief to people affected by the coronavirus lockdown.

The federal government is in contact with the provinces and is taking the necessary measures, including analysing data regularly to assess the situation and trends surrounding the spread of the coronavirus in the country, he said.

In addition to aiding the civil administration and army with the distribution of foods and other essentials, the Corona Relief Tigers force would also raise awareness about preventive measures such as social distancing, he said.

Mr Bukhari directed district administration officials to take all the possible measures to provide facilities to people affected by the coronavirus.

Published in Dawn, April 3rd, 2020